Flydubai Dubai–Tel Aviv flight diverts to Tabuk after reported steep descent

Flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, on September 30 after an inflight incident, according to an airline statement reproduced in the supplied report. The carrier said the aircraft landed safely and all passengers were safe and accounted for.

The report identifies the aircraft as a Boeing 737 MAX 8 and cites flight-tracking data showing a descent from 34,000 feet to 19,000 feet in just over a minute. It also reports that the aircraft transmitted transponder code 7500, indicating unlawful interference, followed by code 7700, indicating a general emergency. Those details are not confirmed in the supplied airline statement.

Passenger accounts cited in the report allege a cockpit altercation in which the captain was stabbed, followed by intervention by passengers and crew. Claims that the first officer was responsible and that two pilots travelling as passengers subsequently flew the aircraft remain unconfirmed in the airline statement. The available material does not establish a motive or support a definitive conclusion about an attempted hijacking.

Canadian and US travellers connecting through Dubai to Tel Aviv should check their flight status and onward arrangements directly with their operating airline or booking provider. Flydubai said it was working with authorities and would release further confirmed information; the supplied statement does not announce wider schedule changes.